The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has released a video showcasing the destruction of Russian targets by rockets, emphasizing the progress made in their counteroffensive efforts.
A Twitter video shared by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense on Monday exhibits U.S.-supplied HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) effectively eliminating various Russian targets, including rocket launchers and howitzers.
This development follows the Russian military’s claim over the weekend that they successfully defended against a Ukrainian offensive near Bakhmut. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also stated on Monday, as reported by Reuters, that the recent failed mutiny attempt by the Wagner Group had no impact on Russian military operations.
The video displays aerial footage purportedly depicting HIMARS destroying at least three Russian BM-21 “Grad” rocket launcher systems, a “Msta-B” howitzer, and a 2S7 “Pion” artillery cannon. Additionally, artillery fire is seen obliterating another “Grad” system, alongside a Russian “assault group” being neutralized by mines.
Accompanying the video is an optimistic quote from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, acknowledging the challenging situation Ukrainian troops faced on the frontline the previous week while expressing satisfaction with the progress made.
“Last week was difficult on the frontline. But we are making progress,” Zelensky said. “We are moving forward, step by step! I thank everyone who is defending Ukraine, everyone who is leading this war to Ukraine’s victory! Glory to our heroes!”
.@ZelenskyyUa
Last week was difficult on the frontline. But we are making progress.
We are moving forward, step by step! I thank everyone who is defending Ukraine, everyone who is leading this war to Ukraine's victory!
Glory to our heroes! pic.twitter.com/HxQQ9H92yk— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) July 3, 2023
In an earlier Telegram post on Monday, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported that Kyiv’s forces had achieved progress near the embattled Donetsk city of Bakhmut, as well as towards Melitopol and Berdiansk in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Maliar stated that Ukraine had reclaimed 14.4 square miles of territory over the past week. However, she cautioned in a subsequent update that the situation was “rapidly” changing, and the territory could be lost once again.
“The situation is changing very rapidly,” wrote Maliar. “Control over the same positions can be lost and regained twice a day. The enemy actively reacts to all our actions and creates three lines of defense in threatening directions.”
Responding to suggestions that the Ukrainian counteroffensive was progressing slower than anticipated, retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling dismissed the notion during a CNN interview on Monday night. Hertling argued that slow progress was expected due to the “complex obstacles” that Russia had imposed on Zelensky’s forces.
“Having witnessed this type of operation in both training and combat, it takes a considerable amount of time,” Hertling explained. “Those who believe it’s progressing slowly are not considering the difficulty of overcoming complex combat obstacles. That’s precisely what Ukraine is doing.”
